Before I begin, I just wanted to thank all of you for your comments, prayers and emails. You have made this season a lot easier than it could have been. You have demonstrated our need for the body of Christ.
It has now been almost three weeks since my dad’s heart operation. He just seems a lot healthier now that his heart is getting 25% more blood. But, I can tell he doesn’t have as much steam as he used to before the heart attack. I have spent a lot of time at home these last few weeks and my parents are both feeling better overall. But I can tell they are not as young as they used to be. Parenting young children is not as easy at age 51 as it was at age 30.
My dad has orders from his doctors to take it easy and reduce his amount of stress. Not easy for a soccer coach, basketball coach, debate coach, manager of multiple companies, CPA, real estate investor, husband, father of five and son of an elderly mother. Compounding his stress is the fact that our house is in the middle of a renovation that stalled shortly after his surgery. We have been without a kitchen table for almost two months now.
I am just now beginning to appreciate what an amazing father I have. I never realized how much he did for my family and for others because he never complained about it. In fact the only thing I have heard him complain about is his ongoing lawsuit with AT&T.
It is hard for my dad to cut back. If I were in his position I would see the need to "take it easy" as an affront to my masculinity. Avoiding work is for old women. I feel that work is part of our identity as men. But as we age our work transitions from labor to supervision and advise. This transition is being forced on my dad.
Another challenge is conflicting medical advice. One the one side are rude medical doctors who advocate chemical solutions to medical problems. On the other are naturopaths who advocate cleansing the body of toxins and helping it heal itself. These schools of thought are mutually exclusive. Who’s right? Only God knows.
I now have another reason to visit my home in Austin. I used to go because I didn’t want to miss out on my brothers growing into men. But now, I value my time with my parents because I don’t know how much time with them I have left. Maybe a year maybe thirty. Only God knows. Either way it is a sobering thought.
Overall, God has showed us his soverengty, provision and mercy throughout this whole situation. This has been a tough season for me for multiple reasons. But, God has recently given me peace again. I have been convinced that I can handle anything with God and nothing without Him. Thanks again for your prayer and support. I thank God for you all.
Wow, Thomas your dad is such an inspiration and you are so blessed to have someone like that to look up to in your life! I will continue to pray for all of your family during this time! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys!
Bri
Amen & Amen! I am so glad things are moving forward & I sure understand how hard it is with the conflicting ideas of healing… and yes, God does know! Aren't we glad! It seems to me, I keep learning that lesson over & over… the older I get, the less I can handle! May the Lord bless you all!!!
Wow, Thomas, your dad is such an inspiration and you are so blessed to have someone like that to look up to in your life!
I will continue to pray for your family! Let me know if there is anything I can do!!
Bri
We are so grateful for the encouragement that your Dad provided students over the years. He became “the favorite judge” to so many students. We, as a club and family, have been praying for him and your whole family. The club students have a get well card for your Dad. Could you email me privately with the best address to send it to? Please let us know how we can best help your family get through this difficult time.
Odalys
thank you for your love and support! Here are some specific prayer requests:
1). That Tom’s heart will heal completely from the damage of the heart attack
2). That we figure out how to identify and reduce stress in Tom’s life
3). That we find God’s wisdom on pharmacological/nutrisutical support for best healing for now and long term.
Thanks again for your prayers. God is answering!
‘Ginger Umstattd
Wow! I haven’t been on the computer in a while and didn’t know y’all were going through this. My family’s prayers are with you! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!
Amen.
Our love and prayers are with you and your beloved family, continually, Thomas. We uphold you all in prayer continually.
Love and prayers,
Joanne Rodgers 🙂
I can only echo the comments that have already been made.
Keep fighting the good fight. 🙂
> Brian
Thomas,
I am so glad to hear your dad is doing better. We are praying for a steady & complete recovery – that the Lord would completely restore his heart and guide him along His path to wholeness.
Love,
Nasser Family